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Yeah, my question was unclear. South; ordinarily, one doesn't head North in Winter...

Channels that are often used by commerce are usually maintained. Something about paying big in taxes, and lobbyist clout...

Boca Ceiga was once a relaxed place to be. Plus, remember the old Isla del Sol?

We have a 12th floor view of Boca Ciega Bay from the Condo we're renting but also enjoy cruising with the Boca Ciega Yacht Club next to the Gulfport Munincipal Marina. We are also fortunate to own a home on the St Johns River, just north of Palatka, Florida and have cruised from there to Boca Ciega Bay via the Okeechobee and the Keys on a 33' Ranger. So whether you plan to cruise the St. Johns River, the east or gulf coasts of Florida up to Clearwater, come on and just do it. Bring along a Florida cruising guide, it doesn't have to be the latest edition things just don't change that fast, and if you don't like the place you are, the place you'll love is only one day away. If you need specific advice infoatratislanddotcom is available on everything from cruising to where to dry store your boat.

03-07-2013 02:09 PM

ReneeHug

Re: Florida sailing

Calling all cruisers to check out our place in the Port! Port Canaveral Yacht Club is a private, member-owned, non-profit yacht club. We are members of the Yachting Club of America and therefore, respect reciprocal club membership. We also have very competitive transient rates. I love our club because of the awesome restaurant with a gourmet chef and two bars along with laundry, shower and a workshop on property. Also, there are a dozen restaurants just a short walk away along with a staggering array of boating services, mechanics, electronics, you name it. We have fast access to the Ocean (takes us 20 minutes in our 30' sailboat) and with some patience (two swing bridges and a lock) access to the ICW - approximately 45 minutes in our 30' sailboat. We love sailing up and down Cocoa Beach with the dolphins, whales and turtles! Check us out at Port Canaveral Yacht Club on the web or call the office Mon-Fri 10am to 2pm EST @ 321-784-2292 or contact our Dockmaster @ 321-482-0167.

Enigma, ... There is a secondary ICW inlet on the north side of Tampa channel that also takes you to Boca Ciega Bay the long way. Or you can transit the Tampa channel to get to St. Petersburg municipal marina and draft is no issue here.

Or were you talking about going south toward Bradenton and Sarasota?

Yeah, my question was unclear. South; ordinarily, one doesn't head North in Winter...

Channels that are often used by commerce are usually maintained. Something about paying big in taxes, and lobbyist clout...

Boca Ceiga was once a relaxed place to be. Plus, remember the old Isla del Sol?

01-08-2013 12:36 PM

zeehag

Re: Florida sailing

tampa bay itself is very shallow except where the tugs n tows traverse. there is always deep enough to motor sail even in a 6'6 draft boat.

01-08-2013 10:52 AM

ShoalFinder

Re: Florida sailing

Enigma,

There are several ICW openings to Tampa Bay, not sure which one you had trouble with. The Pass-A-Grille channel is the main one on the north side of the Tampa channel. It leads you into Boca Ciega Bay. Six foot draft is not an issue, but the channel is VERY narrow. Coming in during heavy weather can be a harrowing experience in a small sailboat. Ask me how I know... But usually it's very placid.

There is a secondary ICW inlet on the north side of Tampa channel that also takes you to Boca Ciega Bay the long way. Or you can transit the Tampa channel to get to St. Petersburg municipal marina and draft is no issue here.

Or were you talking about going south toward Bradenton and Sarasota?

01-08-2013 05:33 AM

Enigma0

Re: Florida sailing

Did you recently transit the ICW opening to Tampa Bay? Last time (years ago) I was there, it was very shallow and the markers unclear.

01-07-2013 12:30 PM

zeehag

Re: Florida sailing

where tug n tow rigs can travel, so can any sailboat with a 6 ish foot draft. if tugsntows dont go there--is short water. be careful.
we did the icw on west fla with a 4 1/2 ft draft and some others had 6 to 6'6....as i said--where tug and tow rigs move, so can you.

01-05-2013 05:01 PM

Enigma0

Re: Florida sailing

I've not seen any mentions of West-coast Florida in this thread. Placida is a nice place to visit; saw white pelicans there.

The ICW is unsuitable for any vessel with a draft over 4'. It is ill-maintained and rarely dredged nowadays. Plus ill-mannered power-boaters speed through it. A big displacement-hulled power-boater can push you right up on the mud. SeaTow membership needed...

There are a very few live-aboard marinas along the Caloosahatchie and in other nooks and crannies of West Florida, but they seem to try to stay hidden and unnoticed by the state.

Condo owner folks may resent you enjoying the environment without having to pay real-estate prices and taxes to do so. But they also like to look down at 'all the pretty boats", so they are often torn between envy and enjoyment.

10-17-2012 10:47 PM

nmejicano

Re: Florida sailing

Fort Lauderdale anchorage at $1,00/foot? It must be by the day. It will be hard to find an anchorage less than $8.00/ foot/month. Then you have to contend with bridges and lots of traffic. Miami, South of the Rickenbacker causeway is your best bet, but as NightOwl said, you may face draft issues with a keel longer than 5 feet. There is lot of traffic in Miami, but then, there is also a lot of space. Biscayne bay is great with many sights, anchorages and good protection. I suggest you give the Coconut Grove Sailing Club a call. They are inexpensive, right on Biscayne Bay,have a great restaurant, close to everything, but no liveaboards. Their # is 305-444-4571. By the way, all they have is a mooring field with 24/7 security